Her early arrival was so she could meet her soon-to-be staff and her bosses, the Board of Education, 11 News education reporter Tim Tooten said Tuesday.

Gov. Martin O'Malley was in Baltimore to accompany her on the rounds.

“I am so privileged and honored to be here. Thanks to the board for giving me this opportunity to serve the state of Maryland,” Lowery said.

She said she wasn't looking for a job, but couldn't pass up the chance to work in a state with such an impressive educational record.

“I saw that the state of Maryland was really engaged in public education in a most positive way, and I love the Baltimore area. It’s kinda like coming back to my space,” she said.

It’s a space she hopes to expand by first doing her homework. In July, Lowery plans to visit schools across the state.“I need to see, know, touch, feel and let them see and know me. It keeps us focused and it reminds us why we come here each day and the work that we do to give the taxpayers a return on their investments,” Lowery said.

The plan is to build on what's already in place.

“I like talent. Obviously, Maryland is full of it, and that's one of the reasons why I’m excited about being here. But I believe talent needs to be unleashed, so I hold people accountable. I hire really good people," she said.